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Verdict

This is a race that lacks quality so we'll side with course form in the shape of BRAVE BUGSY, who is taken to beat the in-form Dark Energy; Spiritonthemount just about makes the most appeal of the rest.
Jimmy Fortune is reunited with our selection, who can surely only improve for returning to the scene of his three victories. After a disappointing run in an arguably better race at Folkestone last time, he's been dropped to a mark just 2lbs higher than he'd won off previously and with the possibility of first-time blinkers bringing about some improvement and fast ground to suit, everything looks in place for a big run. Dark Energy is rated clear second-best and brings a solid recent run of form to the table. Michael Scudamore's charge placed over timber last time having previously gone well on the flat but that effort was over 1m4f and there remains a slight concern as to whether he truly stays this distance on the level, so at the likely prices he's just opposed. Spiritonthemount beat Brave Bugsy over course and distance in May only to suffer a reversal to that same rival when attempting to score again; his profile isn't one of consistency but at these weights he should in theory give our pick something to think about. Casual Garcia hasn't won on the level since 2008 but that was a convincing win on similar ground and he's now only a pound higher; this is a drop in grade too so he's not ruled out but may not be the force of old while Nation State hasn't run on the flat for some time and hasn't been in good enough form over jumps to merit close attention. In a modest contest, Brave Bugsy is taken to enhance his fine record over course and distance.

Dark Energy 10-1 (8-13) Held up in 5th and off the pace, closed steadily from 3f out, chased leaders and every chance over 1f out, 3rd and stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 2 1/4l behind Dazzling Begum (8-3) at Folkestone 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Jun.